DESCRIPTION:
The Gloster GA.5 project began in the late 1940s and was intended to incorporate recent advancements in
radar, aerodynamics, and jet engines into a modern all-weather day-night interceptor. The design that
ultimately emerged, known as the Javelin, featured a large-area delta wing with low wing-loading to
provide good performance at high altitude. Unlike most other delta-winged aircraft of the period, the
Javelin also incorporated a T-tail with conventional elevator control surfaces to reduce the high
angle-of-attack such aircraft typically experience during landing. The cylindrical fuselage provided
space for the two crew in a tandem seat cockpit, two turbojet engines, and a large interception radar in
the nose.

Following evaluation of seven prototypes, the Royal Air Force ordered the advanced new fighter into
production as the Javelin F(AW).1. First entering service in 1956, the initial production model was soon
followed by a number of modified and updated variants over the next few years. The Javelin F(AW).5 was the
first model equipped to carry air-to-air missiles while the F(AW).6 and F(AW).7 introduced more powerful
engines.

Some 436 Javelin interceptors and trainers were eventually built before the aircraft was withdrawn from
service in 1967.